Please stop reading this article. The trade deadline for 2024 is lifeless and devoid of any excitement. It is important not to mistake the number of trades made for their actual value. This trade deadline is comparable to Al Capone’s empty vault. Instead of big trade announcements, Adrian Wojnarowski is only providing small updates on Twitter. Shams Charania is sharing minimal information instead of the usual pre-trade deadline news. NBA general managers need to compensate their sources better during this trade deadline season.
In the past, the trade deadline was a thrilling day filled with intense negotiations, last-minute deals, and high-quality basketball moves. Twenty years ago, the Atlanta Hawks made a trade that sent Rasheed Wallace to Detroit, which had a significant impact on NBA history. Even just a year ago, Kevin Durant had everyone on edge until he was traded from the Brooklyn Nets to the Phoenix Suns at midnight.
Now, the most talked-about player in trade rumors is Dejounte Murray from the Atlanta Hawks. His name is being thrown around like a premium cut of beef on a chef’s table. However, the Los Angeles Lakers have halted any potential trade involving Murray since De’Angelo Russell’s impressive performance in January earned him a spot back in the starting lineup. Typically, LeBron James and Rob Pelinka would be aggressively making changes to the team, but not this year.
What has happened to our once-exciting trade deadline? The trade deadline is a reflection of the NBA’s overall health. It is a time for struggling teams to find hope, tanking teams to solidify their position, and contenders to strengthen their rosters. However, this year there is no clear reason for teams to tank, as the upcoming draft is expected to be weak. Additionally, the increased parity in the league, along with the Miami Heat’s surprising run to the Finals, has made it unlikely for teams outside the top eight in each conference to make a breakthrough in the playoffs.
Furthermore, the most significant trades have already taken place. James Harden was traded months ahead of the deadline, Pascal Siakam was sent to the Indiana Pacers in January, and the New York Knicks acquired OG Anunoby in December. Terry Rozier was also traded to the Miami Heat two weeks ago. Injuries to Joel Embiid and Zach LaVine have further dampened the trade deadline excitement, as their teams are no longer motivated to make moves.
Denver Nuggets, as the defending champions, are in a comfortable position and have no urgency to make trades. The Golden State Warriors, who used to be buyers at the deadline, are now sellers. Chris Paul and Andrew Wiggins, two players who were once highly sought after, are no longer attracting much interest. Wiggins only performs well in contract years, and Paul’s high salary makes it difficult for a contender to acquire him. Additionally, Klay Thompson holds sentimental value for the Warriors, and it is unlikely that he will be traded.
It is surprising that DeMar DeRozan, who is in the final year of his contract, is not expected to be traded. He would be a valuable addition to any contender, similar to Rasheed Wallace in 2004. The Philadelphia 76ers, for example, should be actively pursuing a trade for DeRozan, especially since they may be without Joel Embiid for the playoffs. It is perplexing that DeRozan and the Chicago Bulls have not realized that the trade deadline is their last chance to make a move. The New York Knicks are also in talks with the Toronto Raptors for another defensive player, but it is not a trade that will create much excitement outside of New York.
This is the time of year when NBA fans rely on journalists like Woj and Shams for breaking news, but this trade deadline is turning out to be a disappointment. If you are a general manager with groundbreaking trade information, please reach out to Shams, Woj, Chris Haynes, or myself within the next 24 hours. Unfortunately, there are no players over 30 who can significantly impact the remainder of this season.
One player to keep an eye on is Buddy Hield from the Indiana Pacers. He is the active leader in games played without a playoff appearance and was given permission to explore trades before the season started. Since then, his role has diminished, and now that the Pacers are on the verge of making the playoffs, Hield could be traded to the Philadelphia 76ers, who may be without Joel Embiid. This would be the second time Hield leaves a team just before they improve their standing in the league.
Let’s hope for the best for Buddy Hield and for all the NBA fans who rely on information brokers for updates.